In the mood to gamble? Why not open an RV dealership? If William Shakespeare was correct when he wrote, “What’s past is prologue,” then looking back on last year’s statistics might help the would-be RV dealer pick the right location for a successful venture. With the cooperation of a recent RV Trader study, here are the most popular states and cities for new RV sales.
Popular states and cities for new RV sales—states in the lead
- Texas
- California
- Florida
- Washington
- Michigan
- Pennsylvania
- Ohio
- North Carolina
- Arizona
- Colorado
Texas and California—those are B I G states. How can the erstwhile RV dealer wannabe narrow it down?
Top cities for new RV sales
- Los Angeles, CA
- Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
- Houston, TX
- Phoenix, AZ
- Seattle-Tacoma, WA
- Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
- Denver, CO
- Salt Lake City-Ogden, UT
- Detroit, MI
- Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Top three brands looky-looed
OK, so what brands should you carry? If you base your decision on how RV Trader website visitors “tire kicked” RVs by brand, here’s the shakeout.
The Top Three views by brand are:
- Forest River
- Winnebago
- Airstream
We might note, “Streamer lookers apparently got stoked on the idea of these shiny, slick-slide rigs. In 2024 so far, the number of searches for Airstream rocketed up almost 25% from the same period last year.”
The most popular states and cities list might help wanna-be RV dealers pick a starting point. But we think we’ll stick with just writing about them.
##RVT1167b
Probable addition as a 4th. Brand would be Grand Design!!
Not sure with GD’s current frame fiasco. Of course, ‘new’ RV’ers wouldn’t know anything about that.
Pretty much the same ones that go to Camping World to buy an rv.
Anyone looking for a new RV, should and would investigate any reviews and potential problems. Seems GD is now placing the blame on the owners. Improper tow vehicle, not following the recommended load capacities (which are vague at best) and lack of required maintenance.
Sure. It couldn’t possibly be a manufacturing issue!
If anyone is interested in a lightweight molded fiberglass Scamp or Casita trailer, there’s one at the LazyDays RV store at the Fort Pierce Florida SR 70 exit off I 95
Thank you, Russ and Tina! 🙂 I am not so sure that I would want to handle Forest River RVs, given how frequently they have recalls. Airstream is certainly iconic, but how soon will reality overtake the reputation, given Thor’s inevitable influence? As to what to handle? I would rely on Tony’s advice based on his many reviews. Thanks again, have a great day, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
I will still stay with my Northwoods Artic Fox. 8 yrs and still going strong!
Wanna be a successful dealer, take care of your customers without the BS and you can be in any state or city.
Old school and absolutely correct. My family ran the same business for 103 years on a handshake till our franchise lines started selling to others. Three owners later the business was closed. I now have customers from the original business in the current business I own and operate which is in a completely different industry. What you sow; you reap still works.
Forest River? Cuzz there is sooo many of them.
Wow! Biggest Tiffin/Newmar dealer of all is North Trail in Ft Myers, FL. Add Camping world, major increase in sales site for LA Mesa RV and brand new huge General RV site. Add the smaller kits and Ft Myers beats the list.
QUALITY CONTROL is missing for American made rv’s
Take a look at LTV made in Canada what a big difference plus a year and 1/2 wait to get new one